We love leith
The Team
In addition to our board and festival coordinator, we would not be able to run the festival without the support of our wonderful volunteers, from our regular volunteers who support us in the background all year round, to those who help litterpick for an hour or two on gala day – you are all part of the team that makes the festival possible.
Nick Gardner Chair - Leith Festival Board
Nick has lived off Leith Walk and Easter Road for over 30 years. He has been a community activist for many years, as a youth worker, local Councillor for Leith Walk ward, and as a campaigner. Nick has been a member of Leith Festival’s board for 8 years, and looks forward to helping make Leith Festival even bigger and better, by involving everyone who lives and works in the Republic of Leith.
Phil Attridge Vice Chair - Leith Festival Board
Phil has lived in Leith for 30 years, and has always been interested and involved in the local community. He’s the Chair of Pilmeny Development Project, a former Leith Councillor and been on the Board of Leith Festival for three years.
Jai Adami Treasurer - Leith Festival Board
I started volunteering with Leith Festival in 2018, initially paying the bills, producing the Annual Accounts and updating the working spreadsheets (with the help of a financial wizard based in South Leicestershire). I still do the finances as Treasurer since 2021 and am happy to to continue doing so but I have also gained so much from more recently leading on the volunteer programme. We have a great bunch of volunteers who contribute to the local community in so many different ways. Looking forward to more volunteers of any age but particularly the younger ones getting involved with Leith Festival – and dogs of course! Oscar is our second mascot following on from Coco…
Barbara Kerr Secretary - Leith Festival Board
Barbara has lived in Leith since 2011, and loves the community spirit and atmosphere that living here brings. For some time before joining the board she had been looking for a volunteer opportunity that would allow her to contribute to the local community. While studying for a degree in Arts Management she began volunteering with Leith Festival, and after 2 years, she joined the Board in late 2019.
Darren Smith - Leith Festival Board Member
Darren has long been a friend to Leith Festival, creating the “I Love Leith” symbol back in 2007. He was inspired by his late father Peter Smith, who was a member of the festival committee and well-respected in the community. Darren used his design skills and positive attitude to help the festival become recognized over the following years. He is now following in his fathers footsteps in joining the committee. Darren looks forward to bringing a fresh and passionate perspective to the festival in the coming years.
Carrie Beattie - Festival & Volunteer Coordinator
Carrie decided to pursue a career in the Creative Industries studying Theatre Arts after leaving school before attending the University of Highlands & Islands and graduating with a BA in Music Performance. Now an experienced vocal coach, quality manager, performer and musical director, Carrie works with a variety of private and public organisations whilst managing her own musical projects. When not at work Carrie loves spending time with her cat, going out to gigs, traveling and brunch. “Leith is often cited as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods and I couldn’t agree more. I love the vibrancy and community spirit, the live music venues, independent shops and galleries, the café culture and food markets, the beautiful buildings and the view at the shore. I think Leith is a very special place that offers something for everyone.”